If this is the first edition of the MarineParents.com Newsletter you have received, WELCOME! If you are a returning reader we are glad you have joined us.

The impact Marines have on families and the impact families have on Marines is evident in this week's newsletter. The give-and-take camaraderie creates a stealth relationship during the challenging times we're faced with. Being able to share the philosophy and realities of troop support with civilians and civilian families is important.

Our newsletter this week can help to do that. We hope you'll share the email with family and friends outside your Marine Corps circle. From Corporal Mankin's plea to help folks see why we can wake up in a "warm bed" every morning, to the families sending off another 1100 care packages in January, there is important news to be shared.

I want to remind everyone that Dr. Cantrell, an expert on PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) will be in the chat room this evening to talk confidentially with families and military personnel about issues they may be having. Scroll below to read more.

This is our last newsletter before the holidays. The staff, directors, and volunteers at Marine Parents want to wish you, your Marine and your family a Merry Christmas. Our Marines, past and present, are in our prayers.

Watch for the next edition of the newsletter for an exciting announcement of how you can share the "Semper Family" spirit with up-and-coming recruit families.

Marine's Bible

New and on SALE for the Holidays!

Books are always a great gift idea and when you purchase them from The EGA Store, you support a great cause too!

The Marine's Bible just came in and it's on SALE for the holidays.

It comes in a beautifully illustrated gift box. Inside, the maroon leather cover is stamped with a gold Eagle, Globe and Anchor on the front.

The bible includes special helps and prayers throughout, specifically for Marines during their most challenging times.

We're offering $5 off orders of $50 or more from now through midnight central time on Saturday, December 19, 2009. Use Coupon Code 5BOOKS.

Making Marine Corps History

Newest Vehicle's First Combat Assault

A vehicle that looks like a hybrid of a tank and bulldozer comes to a stop. An enormous blast shrieks through the air and delivers 1,750 pounds of C4 on the road ahead.

The Marine Corps newest vehicle, an assault breacher vehicle, has detonated a route clearing, line charge, making its first combat assault in Marine Corps history.

The Marine Corps prepared the ABV crew and the vehicle for combat for approximately two years. On the morning of Dec. 3, the ABV fired its first line charge during Operation Cobra's Anger in Now Zad, Afghanistan.

Due to mass amounts of roadside bombs expected around Now Zad, ABV's led the way for the operation by detonating numerous line charges on the path to the Taliban stronghold, Now Zad.

Pride in the ABV's development and capability was obvious amongst the Marines.

We invite you to join and connect with Dr. Bridget Cantrell, author and expert on homecomings, PTSD, and combat recovery. The chat will be held in the Marine Parents Chat Room. It is free and open to the public.

Dr. Cantrell offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to learn how YOU can spot the symptoms of PTSD in your Marine.

Show your pride and support throughout the year with your Marine calendar. Each month displays the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, an amazing Marine Corps photo, and a captain describing the content of the image.

No Marine Corps household should be without a Marine calendar, but don't forget about your office either!

You can purchase gift sponsorships for the January 9, 2010 packing date through January 8, 2010.

Support Our Troops: Wear Red on Friday

Join the "Wear Red Friday" campaign to show your support of our troops! We've opened up a brand new line in our online store--you get the quality and service you've come to expect, and you can help encourage those in your community to "Support Our Troops: Wear Red on Friday!" We've got yard signs and red t-shirts for every family member and everyone in your office! Check it out today:

Remember, all proceeds from sale of products in our stores go to support the organization MarineParents.com, Inc. and our outreach projects. MarineParents.com is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) Public Charity.

We hope this week's edition of our email newsletter has been useful for you and your family. If there are topics you would like us to address, or if you have other suggestions for the newsletter, please contact us.

The banner used at the top of this newsletter is a December, 2009 USMC Photo by Lance Cpl. Walter Marino of Marines conducting combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan, during Operation Cobra's Anger. Click here to read additional credits.

MarineParents.com, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. MarineParents.com, Inc. was founded in January, 2003 in response to parents' needs to find information and to have a Place to Connect & Share™ with one another during deployments. Our free online services and connections have expanded to support and educate Marine moms & dads, spouses, families and friends and we'll be offering our 6th Conference in New Orleans in April, 2010. We've helped over 40,000 Marine and recruit families during bootcamp, training, active duty and deployments. We've shipped thousands of care packages overseas to our Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, sent thousands of prayers and letters to injured Marines and served hundreds of lunches to families caring for their Marines at Bethesda Hospital. You've found a Place to Connect & Share™.

God Bless and Semper Fidelis,

Tracy Della Vecchia

Founder and Executive DirectorMarineParents.com, Inc.

Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this service.

$5 Off

Coupon!

EGA Store Special!

Receive $5 off any order of $50 or more. Enter coupon code 5BOOKS

Offer expires Saturday, December 19th!

The Marine's Bible

NOTE: All proceeds are used in support of MarineParents.com, Inc., an IRS approved 501(c)(3) public charity.